Dismantling the Roots of Terrorism | 13 Jun 2024
This editorial is based on “Terror attack in Reasi underscores fragility of a hard-won
peace in J&K” which was published in The Indian Express on 12/06/2024. The article
brings into picture the fragile peace in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting a recent
terrorist attack in Reasi that underscores ongoing security challenges
For Prelims: Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967, National
Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008, National Security Council, Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of Offences against Internationally Protected Persons,
including Diplomatic Agents (1973), International Convention against the Taking of
Hostages (1979), International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of
Terrorism (1999), Left-Wing Extremism, Financial Action Task Force.
For Mains: Various Emerging Forms of Terrorism, Major Terrorism Related Challenges
that India Faces.
The specter of terrorism continues to cast a long shadow across the globe. From coordinated
attacks targeting civilians to targeted assassinations, terrorist groups employ violence and fear
to achieve their political goals. While the international community has made strides in
countering terrorism, its reach and tactics remain fluid, demanding constant vigilance and
adaptation.
India, a nation with a long history of grappling with terrorism, faces a unique set of challenges.
This is particularly evident in the restive region of Jammu and Kashmir, where incidents like a
recent attack on pilgrims in Reasi, a district with minimal prior militancy, exposes the
fragility of peace.
India's fight against terrorism necessitates a multi-pronged approach. Stringent security
measures are crucial to deter infiltration attempts and disrupt terror networks. Only through a
comprehensive strategy that combines robust security measures with efforts to address
underlying grievances can India hope to achieve lasting peace and security for its citizens.
What is the Framework Related To Terrorism in India?
About: Terrorism is the deliberate and unlawful use of violence and intimidation,
especially against civilians, to instill fear and achieve political, religious, or ideological
goals.
It seeks to influence governments or societies by creating a climate of fear,
disruption, and uncertainty.
India maintains a strong stance against terrorism with a "zero tolerance" policy.
However, there are no universally accepted definitions of terrorism, making it
difficult to classify specific activities as terrorist acts.
This ambiguity gives terrorists an advantage and enables some countries to
remain silent and veto actions in global institutions.
Domestic Laws:
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967: Designates terrorist
organizations or individuals, criminalizes terrorist activities, and empowers
authorities for investigation and prosecution.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act, 2008: Establishes a central agency for
investigating and prosecuting terror-related offenses.
Institutional Framework:
National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS): Oversees and coordinates national
security strategy, including counter-terrorism efforts.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA): Leads domestic counter-terrorism operations
and intelligence gathering.
National Investigation Agency (NIA): Investigates and prosecutes major terror-
related cases.
International Agreements: India is a signatory to various UN conventions against
terrorism, including:
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Offences
against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents (1973)
International Convention against the Taking of Hostages (1979)
International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism
(1999)
What are the Various Emerging Forms of Terrorism?
Lone Wolf Attacks: The rise of self-radicalized individuals carrying out attacks without
being part of a larger group poses a significant challenge for intelligence agencies.
These "lone wolf" terrorists are harder to detect and can strike with little to no
warning.
Bioterrorism Risks: The Covid-19 pandemic has sparked the potential consequences of
a bioterror attack involving the weaponization of viruses, bacteria or other biological
toxins as an instrument of mass disruption.
The illicit procurement and deployment of such agents by non-state actors with
catastrophic intentions remains a looming danger that requires constant vigilance.
Unmanned/Drone Threats: The rapid proliferation of advanced yet inexpensive
commercial drone technologies has opened a new threat vector that terrorists could
exploit for purposes like intelligence gathering, targeted strikes, or as delivery
platforms for explosives/chemical dispersion devices, presenting a formidable new
security challenge.
For example, India witnessed a significant drone attack at the Air Force Station in
Jammu in June, 2021.
The airbase, which is 14 km away from the India-Pakistan border, was
attacked by low–flying drones that dropped two improvised explosive
devices (IEDs).
Terrorist Safe Havens: Prolonged conflicts and fragile regions with limited governance
in parts of Africa and the Middle East provide fertile territories for terrorist groups to
establish safe havens, training infrastructures, and a foothold to export violence
across borders, making these unstable zones an enabler for transnational terror.
Terror-Crime Nexus: The deepening convergence between terrorist entities and
transnational organized criminal syndicates, combining their illicit financial resources
(through cryptocurrency), distribution networks (like case of Drug supplies in Punjab
)and expertise in areas like weapons procurement and human trafficking, has emerged
as a potent threat multiplier that demands sustained counterterror operations.
Terrorism Driven by Emerging Technologies: Terrorist entities are actively seeking to
exploit cutting-edge technologies like encrypted communications and dark web to
amplify their capabilities across all phases - recruitment, radicalization, operational
planning, and attack execution.
Staying ahead of this technological curve remains an ongoing cat-and-mouse
battle for counterterrorism forces.
What are the Major Terrorism Related Challenges that India Faces?
Cross-border terrorism: India has been grappling with cross-border terrorism
emanating from neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan.
Recent examples include the 2019 Pulwama attack, where a suicide bomber from
the Pakistan-based terrorist group targeted a convoy of Indian security personnel.
Also, recent attacks like the one in Reasi (June 2024) suggest that increased security
pressure in traditionally militant-affected districts like Rajouri and Poonch might
be pushing them towards more peripheral areas.
Left-Wing Extremism (LWE): The LWE movement, also known as the Naxalite
insurgency, has been a persistent challenge for India.
Maoist rebel groups have been active in several states like Chhattisgarh and
Jharkhand, engaging in violence, extortion, and disrupting development projects.
The number of LWE related violent incidents have come down by 76% in 2022 in
comparison to 2010.
However, the issue is still persistent, highlighted by a recent incident in
Narayanpur District of Chhattisgarh.
Separatist Movements and Militancy: India has faced separatist movements and
militancy in various regions, including the Northeast, and Punjab.
The issue of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir has been particularly complex, with
Pakistan-based terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-
Mohammed (JeM) fueling the insurgency.
Radicalization and Online Propaganda: The rise of radicalization, particularly among
the youth, and the spread of extremist ideologies through online platforms and social
media, pose a significant challenge.
India has witnessed instances of youth being radicalized through methods like
Honey trapping (like the recent instance of trapping Former BrahMos engineer)
and recruited by terrorist organizations, both domestically and internationally.
In February 2024, 4 were arrested by the National Investigation Agency in
connection with radicalisation of youths to carry out terror attacks.
Cyber Terrorism: The increasing reliance on digital infrastructure and the potential for
cyber attacks by terrorist groups or state-sponsored actors is an emerging concern for
India.
Cyber terrorism could target critical infrastructure, financial systems, and
sensitive data, causing significant disruption and economic damage.
A recent report has stated that a Chinese firm breached nearly 100 gigabytes of
Indian immigration data.
Pakistan Exiting FATF Grey List: With Pakistan out of the grey list, India's claims about
Pakistan's lack of action against terror groups might hold less weight internationally.
The Financial Action Task Force(FATF) listing served as a form of validation of
India's concerns.
Also, in this case China Factor comes into picture that is highlighted by China
blocking India's demand to declare Hafiz Saeed a terrorist
What Measures can India Adopt to Curb the Menace of Terrorism?
Focus on Rehabilitation, Not Just Punishment: Developing deradicalization programs
for individuals caught in the early stages of radicalization.
These programs should address the root causes of radicalization and provide
participants with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Establishing a National Counter-Terrorism Database: Developing a centralized and
secure database that integrates intelligence from various agencies, including law
enforcement, intelligence agencies, and financial institutions.
Leveraging advanced data analytics and machine learning techniques to identify
patterns, connections, and potential threats, enabling proactive action.
Enhancing Physical Security Measures: Improving physical security measures at
critical infrastructure, public spaces, and potential high-risk targets, including
surveillance systems, access control, and perimeter security.
Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and
address potential weaknesses.
Implementing robust crisis management protocols and evacuation plans in case
of terrorist attacks.
Open-Source Intelligence Training for Police: Training police forces in open-source
intelligence (OSINT) techniques to analyze publicly available data on social media and
online forums to identify potential threats and track terrorist activities.
Strengthening Cybersecurity and Online Counterterrorism Capabilities: Investing in
developing advanced cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure and online
systems from cyber attacks and digital espionage by terrorist organizations.
Empowering Communities, Not Just Security Forces: There is a need to educate
communities, particularly in vulnerable regions, about early signs of radicalization and
how to report suspicious activity.
Address socio-economic grievances in areas susceptible to extremist influence.
Improve education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities to create a sense of
hope and discourage radicalization.
The Himayat and UMEED Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir is a significant step
in this direction.
Khelo India Centres could be established in areas prone to radicalization as a
means of redirecting the youth.
Mainstreaming terrorism prone areas as highlighted by India during its G20
Presidency meetings in Jammu and Kashmir and thereby Winning their
Hearts and Minds.
It's the high time for promoting national security as a shared responsibility.
Weakening the Financial Lifeline of Terror: Exploring the use of blockchain technology
to track financial transactions and identify suspicious patterns associated with terror
funding.
The transparency and immutability of blockchain can make it harder for terrorists
to move funds.
Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss various emerging terrorist threats that India faces. Suggest measures that India can
adopt to mitigate the impact of these challenges on its national security.
Need of a global commitment to fight against terrorism
Drishti IAS : English
Watch on
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Hand-in-Hand 2007’ a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the
officers of the Indian Army and officers of Army of which one of the following
countries? (2008)
(a) China
(b) Japan
(c) Russia
(d) USA
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q. The scourge of terrorism is a grave challenge to national security. What solutions do
you suggest to curb this growing menace? What are the major sources of terrorist
funding? (2017)